Use of C2-substituted indan-1-ol systems for preparing medicaments for the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of reducing weight in mammals and for the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity comprising administration of C2-substituted indan-1-ol systems and their physiologically acceptable salts and physiologically functional derivatives. Compounds for use in the methods of the embodiments of the invention include compounds of the formula (I) 
                         
in which the radicals are as defined, and their physiologically acceptable salts.

This application claims the benefit of foreign priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 of German patent application no. 10142666.6, filed on Aug. 31,2001, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

Use of C2-substituted indan-1-ol systems for preparing medicaments forthe prophylaxis or treatment of obesity.

Other applications that describe similar compounds and methods of usingthese compounds include: 1) “C2-substituted idan-1-ones and theirderivatives, processes for their preparation and their use aspharmaceuticals” of Gerhard Jaehne, Volker Krone, Martin Bickel, andMatthias Gossel filed Aug. 31, 2002, Ser. No. 10/231,326; 2)“C2-substituted indan-1-ols and their derivatives, processes for theirpreparation and their use as pharmaceuticals” of Gerhard Jaehne, VolkerKrone, Martin Bickel, and Matthias Gossel filed Aug. 31, 2002, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/231,394; and 3) “Use of C2-substitutedindan-1-one systems for preparing medicaments for the prophylaxis ortreatment of obesity” of Gerhard Jaehne, Volker Krone, Martin Bickel,and Matthias Gossel filed Aug. 31, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/231,162; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of C2-substitutedindan-1-ol systems and their physiologically acceptable salts andphysiologically functional derivatives for preparing medicaments forreducing weight in mammals and for the prophylaxis or treatment ofobesity.

EP 0009554 discloses indan-1-one and -1-ol derivatives as herbicides andanalgesics.

EP 0313296 discloses indan-1-one and -1-ol derivatives aspharmaceuticals for asthma.

WO 97/20806 discloses cyclopentyl-substituted indan-1-one derivativeshaving inter alia antiinflammatory action.

In one embodiment, an object of the present invention is to providecompounds which can be used for reducing weight in mammals and which, inparticular, have a therapeutically utilizable anorectic action.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention a method is providedfor the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity comprising administering thecompounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   R1, R2, R3, R4 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN;    N₃, NO₂, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₄ and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl,    O—CH₂-phenyl, O-phenyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl,    S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂,    NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂,    N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,    NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,    SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,    NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,    COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂,    CO—NH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,    (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkynyl, wherein the    alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case have zero    to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine, or one hydrogen may be    replaced by OH, OC(O)CH₃, O—CH₂-Ph, NH₂, NH—CO—CH₃ or N(COOCH₂Ph)₂;    or    -   phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl,    -   5-tetrazolyl, 1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl,    -   2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl;    -   1-imidazolyl,    -   1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl,    -   2- or 3-thienyl,    -   2- or 3-furyl,    -   2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl    -   where the aryl radical or heterocycle is unsubstituted or        substituted one to two times by F, Cl, Br, CN, OH,        (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, NH₂,        NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl,    -   COOH, CO—O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CO—NH₂, wherein the alkyl groups in        each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by        fluorine;-   or R2 and R3 together form the group —O—CH₂—O—;-   X is S, SO, or SO₂;-   Y is (CH₂)_(p), where p is 0, 1, 2 or 3;-   R5 is CF₃, (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl    groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by    fluorine;    -   (CH₂)_(r)—COR6, where r is 1-6 and R6 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or        NH₂;    -   CH₂—CH(NHR7)-COR8, where R7 is H, C(O)—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl or        C(O)O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl and R8 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; or    -   phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, biphenyl or a heterocyclic radical,        where the rings or ring systems are unsubstituted or substituted        one or two times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        O(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂,        N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₂-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H; SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂,        CO—NH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, where in the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups in        each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by        fluorine;        and their physiologically acceptable salts.

In one embodiment, compounds of the formula I for use in the methods ofthe invention are chosen from compounds of the formula I in which

-   R1, R4 independently of one another are    -   H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, N₃, NO₂, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₄ and        C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂-phenyl, O-phenyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂,        N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂,        CO—NH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkynyl, where in        the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case        have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine, or one        hydrogen may be replaced by OH, OC(O)CH₃, O—CH₂-Ph, NH₂,        NH—CO—CH₃ or N(COOCH₂Ph)₂; or    -   phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl,    -   5-tetrazolyl, 1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl,        2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl,    -   1-imidazolyl,    -   1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl,    -   2- or 3-thienyl,    -   2- or 3-furyl,    -   2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl, or    -   3-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl    -   where the aryl radical or heterocycle are unsubstituted or        substituted one or two times by    -   F, Cl, Br, CN,    -   OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl,    -   S(O)₀₋₂(C₁₋₆)-alkyl, NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl,    -   COOH, CO—O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, or CO—NH₂ wherein the alkyl groups in        each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by        fluorine;-   R2, R3 independently of one another are    -   H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, N₃, NO₂, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        O(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂,        N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₅-C₈)-alkyl,        SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—SO₂—(C₅-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂,        CO—NH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, or (C₂-C₈)-alkynyl, where        in the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each        case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine,    -   or one hydrogen may be replaced by OH, OC(O)CH₃, O—CH₂-Ph, NH₂,        NH—CO—CH₃ or N(COOCH₂Ph)₂; or    -   phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl,    -   5-tetrazolyl,    -   1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl,    -   2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl,    -   1-imidazolyl,    -   1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl,    -   2- or 3-thienyl,    -   2- or 3-furyl,    -   2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl, or    -   3-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl    -   where the heterocycle is unsubstituted or substituted one or two        times by F, Cl, Br, CN, OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl,    -   S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl,    -   COOH, CO—O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, or CO—NH₂ wherein the alkyl groups in        each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by        fluorine;-   or R2 and R3 together form the group —O—CH₂—O—;    where in each case at least one of the radicals R1, R2, R3 and R4 is    different from hydrogen;-   X is S, SO, or SO₂;-   Y is (CH₂)_(p), where p is 0, 1, 2 or 3;-   R5 is (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₄— and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, wherein the    alkyl or cycloalkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen    atoms replaced by fluorine;    -   (CH₂)_(r)—COR6, where r is 1-6 and R6 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or        NH₂;    -   CH₂—CH(NHR7)-COR8, where R7 is H, C(O)—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or        C(O)O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl and R8 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂;    -   phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, biphenyl or a heterocyclic radical,        where the rings or ring systems are unsubstituted or substituted        up to two times by O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl,        O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl,        S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂,        NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂,        N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₂-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂,        CO—NH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, or        (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, where in the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups in        each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by        fluorine;        and their physiologically acceptable salts.

In another embodiment, compounds of the formula I for use in the methodsof the invention are chosen from compounds of the formula I in which

-   R1, R4 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, or Br;-   R2, R3 independently of one another are    -   H, F, Cl, Br, CN, CONH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl,        COOH, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₁-C₈)-alkenyl, or (C₁-C₈)-alkynyl, where        in the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case have zero        to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or    -   phenyl or 1-imidazolyl; where the rings are unsubstituted or        substituted one or two times by    -   F, Cl, Br, CN, OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl,    -   wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven        hydrogen atoms may be replaced by fluorine;        where in each case at least one of the radicals R1, R2, R3 and        R4 is different from hydrogen;-   X is S, SO, or SO₂;-   Y is (CH₂)_(p), where p is 0 or 1;-   R5 is (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₄— and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, wherein the    alkyl or cycloalkyl groups have zero to seven hydrogen atoms    replaced by fluorine;    -   (CH₂)_(r)—CO—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, where r is 1-6;    -   CH₂—CH(NHR7)-COR8, where R7 is H, C(O)—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl or        C(O)O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl and R8 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂;    -   phenyl, or a heterocyclic radical;        and their physiologically acceptable salts.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of the formula Iin the form of their racemates, racemic mixtures and pure enantiomers,and also to their diastereomers and mixtures thereof. As used herein,any stereoisomeric form includes racemates, racemic mixtures and pureenantiomers, and also to their diastereomers and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl radicals in the substituentsR1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 can be straight-chain or branched.

Heterocycle or heterocyclic radical is to be understood as meaning ringsystems which, in addition to carbon, also contain heteroatoms, such as,for example, nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. This definition furthermoreincludes ring systems in which the heterocycle or heterocyclic radicalis fused with benzene rings. Example of heterocycles or heterocyclicradicals include, but are not limited to:

-   -   heteroaryls, such as    -   benzimidazolyl,    -   1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]benzimidazolyl,    -   imidazolyl,    -   2- or 3-thienyl,    -   2- or 3-furyl,    -   benzoxazolyl,    -   benzothiazolyl,    -   2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl,    -   pyrimidinyl,    -   4-, 5- or 6-pyridazin-2H-yl-3-one,    -   4-, 5- or 6-pyridazin-2-(C₁-C₈)-alkyl-2H-yl-3-one,    -   2-benzyl-4-, -5- or -6-pyridazin-2H-yl-3-one,    -   3- or 4-pyridazinyl,    -   2-, 3-, 4- or 8-quinolinyl,    -   1-, 3- or 4-isoquinolinyl,    -   1-phthalazinyl,    -   3- or 4-cinnolinyl,    -   2- or 4-quinazolinyl,    -   2-pyrazinyl,    -   2-quinoxalinyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl,    -   2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl,    -   1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-2-, -4- or -5-imidazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 5-pyrazolyl,    -   1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-3-, -4- or -5-pyrazolyl,    -   1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl,    -   4- or 5-[1,2,3]-triazolyl,    -   1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-4- or -5-[1,2,3]triazolyl,    -   3-, 4- or 7-indolyl,    -   N-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-3-, -4- or -7-indolyl    -   2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-3(2H)-indazolyl,    -   1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-3(1H)-indazolyl,    -   5-tetrazolyl,    -   1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-1H-tetrazolyl, and    -   2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-2H-tetrazolyl.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are particularly suitable for medicalapplications, due to their greater solubility in water compared with thestarting or base compounds. Said salts must have a pharmaceuticallyacceptable anion or cation. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acidaddition salts of the compounds of the invention include salts ofinorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoricacid, metaphosphoric acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid and also oforganic acids such as, for example, acetic acid, benzenesulfonic acid,benzoic acid, citric acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, gluconicacid, glycolic acid, isethionic acid, lactic acid, lactobionic acid,maleic acid, malic acid, methanesulfonic acid, succinic acid,p-toluenesulfonic acid, tartaric acid and trifluoroacetic acid,furthermore L-ascorbic acid, salicylic acid,1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one and 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4(3H)-one2,2-dioxide. For some medicinal purposes, particular preference may begiven to using the chlorine salt. Examples of suitable pharmaceuticallyacceptable basic salts are ammonium salts, alkali metal salts (such assodium salts and potassium salts) and alkaline earth metal salts (suchas magnesium salts and calcium salts).

In one embodiment, salts having a pharmaceutically unacceptable anionare likewise included within the scope of the present invention, forexample, as useful intermediates for preparing or purifyingpharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or for use in nontherapeuticapplications, such as in-vitro applications.

As used herein, treating or treatment includes the treating of, forexample, a patient inflicted with a disease or condition, as well as theprevention, prophylaxis, or protective treatment of a patient. Thus, forexample, treatment of obesity includes reducing and/or maintaining theweight of a subject who is inflicted with obesity or is susceptible toobesity. The treatment of obesity also includes inhibiting and/orslowing the weight gain of a subject who is inflicted with obesity or issusceptible to obesity. Treatment of obesity also includes treating asubject susceptible to or predisposed to developing obesity, which couldinclude patients in whom obesity has not yet presented as well aspatients in whom the disease has been successfully treated but couldredevelop or reoccur.

As used herein controlling weight includes reducing and/or maintainingthe weight of a subject. Controlling weight also includes inhibitingand/or slowing the weight gain of a subject. Thus, for example, thephrase weight controlling compounds includes weight-reducing compounds.

The term “physiologically functional derivative” used herein relates toany physiologically acceptable derivative of an inventive compound, forexample an ester which on administration to a mammal, for examplehumans, is capable of forming (directly or indirectly) such a compoundor an active metabolite thereof.

The physiologically functional derivatives also include prodrugs of thecompounds of the invention. Such prodrugs may be metabolized in vivo toa compound of the invention. These prodrugs may or may not be activethemselves.

The physiologically functional derivatives furthermore include, forexample, glucuronides, sulfuric acid esters, glycosides and ribosides.

The compounds of the formula I may also be present in variouspolymorphous forms, for example as amorphous and crystallinepolymorphous forms. All polymorphous forms of the compounds of theformula I are included within the scope of the invention and are anotheraspect of the invention.

All references to compound(s) of the formula (I) herein refer to acompound/compounds of the formula (I) as described herein and also totheir solvates, physiologically functional derivatives, and polymorphsas described herein.

The amount of a compound according to formula (I) which is required inorder to attain the desired biological effect depends on a number offactors, for example the specific compound selected, the intended use,the type of administration and the clinical state of the patient. Ingeneral, the daily dose is in the range from 0.3 mg to 100 mg (typicallyfrom 3 mg to 50 mg) per day per kilogram of body weight, for example3-10 mg/kg/day. An intravenous dose can be, for example, in the rangefrom 0.3 mg to 1.0 mg/kg and can be administered in a suitable manner asan infusion of 10 ng to 100 ng per kilogram per minute. Suitableinfusion solutions for these purposes may contain, for example, from 0.1ng to 10 mg, typically from 1 ng to 10 mg per milliliter. Individualdoses may contain, for example, from 1 mg to 10 g of the activecompound. Thus, ampules for injections can contain, for example, from 1mg to 100 mg, and orally administerable individual dose formulationssuch as, for example, tablets or capsules can contain, for example, from1.0 to 1000 mg, typically from 10 to 600 mg. In one embodiment, the useof a compound of formula (I) as a prophylaxis may require a lower amountof a compound of formula (I), but still within the range disclosedabove, for the patient of interest.

In the case of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, the abovementionedmasses relate to the mass of the free base or acid on which the salt isbased. The compound used for the prophylaxis or therapy of theabovementioned conditions may be the compounds according to formula (I)themselves, or, in one embodiment, they are present in the form of apharmaceutical composition together with an acceptable carrier. In oneembodiment, the carrier must be naturally acceptable, in the sense thatit is compatible with the other ingredients of said composition and isnot harmful to the patient's health. The carrier may be a solid or aliquid or both and is preferably formulated with the compound as anindividual dose, for example as a tablet which may contain from 0.05% to95% by weight of the active compound. Further pharmaceutically activesubstances may also be present, including further compounds according toformula (I). The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may beprepared according to any of the known pharmaceutical methods whichessentially comprise mixing the ingredients with pharmacologicallyacceptable carriers and/or excipients.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are those which aresuitable for oral, rectal, topical, peroral (e.g. sublingual) andparenteral (e.g. subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal orintravenous) administration, although the most suitable manner ofadministration depends in each individual case on the nature andseverity of the condition to be treated and on the nature of thecompound according to formula (I) used in each case. Sugar-coatedformulations and sugar-coated delayed-release formulations, too, areincluded within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment,preference is given to acid-resistant and enteric formulations. Suitableenteric coatings include, for example, cellulose acetate phthalate,polyvinyl acetate phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate andanionic polymers of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate.

Suitable pharmaceutical compounds for oral administration may be presentin separate units as, for example, capsules, cachets, lozenges ortablets, which in each case contain a particular amount of the compoundaccording to formula (I); as powders or granules; as solution orsuspension in an aqueous or nonaqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water orwater-in-oil emulsion. As already mentioned, said compositions can beprepared according to any suitable pharmaceutical method which includesa step in which the active compound and the carrier (which may compriseone or more additional components) are contacted. In general, thecompositions are prepared by uniform and homogeneous mixing of theactive compound with a liquid and/or finely dispersed solid carrier,after which the product is shaped, if necessary. Thus a tablet, forexample, may be prepared by pressing or shaping a powder or granules ofthe compound, where appropriate with one or more additional components.Pressed tablets can be prepared by tableting the compound infree-flowing form, for example a powder or granules, mixed, whereappropriate, with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent and/or one or moresurface active/dispersing agents in a suitable machine. Shaped tabletscan be prepared by shaping the pulverulent compound, moistened with aninert liquid diluent, in a suitable machine.

Pharmaceutical compositions which are suitable for peroral (sublingual)administration include lozenges which contain a compound according toformula (I) with a flavoring, usually sucrose and gum arabic ortragacanth, and pastilles which comprise the compound in an inert basesuch as gelatin and glycerol or sucrose and gum arabic.

Suitable pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration may,for example, comprise sterile aqueous preparations of a compoundaccording to formula (I) which are isotonic with the blood of theintended recipient. These preparations may be administeredintravenously, although they may also be administered subcutaneously,intramuscularly or intradermally as an injection. Said preparations maybe prepared by mixing the compound with water and rendering the obtainedsolution sterile and isotonic with the blood. Injectable compositions ofthe invention generally contain from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the activecompound.

Suitable pharmaceutical compositions for rectal administration may bepresent as individual dose suppositories. These may be prepared bymixing a compound according to formula (I) with one or more conventionalsolid carriers, for example cocoa butter, and shaping the resultingmixture.

Suitable pharmaceutical compositions for topical application to the skinmay be present as ointment, cream, lotion, paste, spray, aerosol or oil.Carriers which may be used are petroleum jelly, lanolin, polyethyleneglycols, alcohols and combinations of two or more of these substances.In one embodiment, the active compound is present at a concentrationranging from 0.1 to 15%, for example from 0.5 to 2%, by weight of thecomposition.

Transdermal administration is also possible. Suitable pharmaceuticalcompositions for transdermal administration may be present as individualpatches which are suitable for long-term close contact with theepidermis of the patient. Such patches suitably contain the activecompound in an optionally buffered aqueous solution, dissolved and/ordispersed in an adhesive or dispersed in a polymer. A suitable activecompound concentration in one embodiment ranges from approx. 1% to 35%,such as approx. 3% to 15%. A particular possibility is the release ofthe active compound by electrotransport or iontophoresis, as described,for example, in Pharmaceutical Research, 2(6): 318 (1986).

The invention furthermore provides a process for preparing the compoundsof the formula I which comprises obtaining the compounds of the formulaI by proceeding according to the reaction schemes below:

To this end, compounds of the formula II,

in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined above are converted with ahalogen, such as, for example, bromine or chlorine, into a compound ofthe formula III. The compounds of the formula III are converted furtherwith metal salts of thiols of the formula H—X—Y—R5, where X is sulfurand Y and R5 are as defined above into compounds of the formula IV whereX=S. These metal salts can be employed as such or they can be generatedin solution in situ from the thiol and a base, such as, for example,aqueous sodium hydroxide.

On the other hand, compounds of the formula IV where X=S can be obtainedby reacting compounds of the formula II with a base, such as, forexample, lithium diisopropylamide, for example in tetrahydrofuran, andwith a disulfide of the formula R5-Y—X—X—Y—R5 in which R5 and Y are asdefined above and X=S; alternatively, instead of the disulfide, it isalso possible to use a sulfenyl chloride of the formula Cl—X—Y—R5 whereX=S and Y and R5 are as defined above (see, for example, D. Seebach etal.; Chem. Ber. 109, 1601-1616 (1976)).

Compounds of the formula V in which X=SO can be prepared, for example,by selective oxidation of the compound of the formula IV in which X=S,using one equivalent of peroxytrifluoroacetic acid (C. G. Venier et al.;J. Org. Chem. 47, 3773 (1982)). The preparation of the sulfoxides fromthe sulfides can also be carried out using manganese dioxide or chromicacid (D. Edwards et al.; J. Chem. Soc. 1954, 3272). Furthermore suitablefor this oxidation is hydrogen peroxide in acetic anhydride (A. V.Sviridova et al.; J. Org. Chem (Russ), English Transl.; 7, 2577 (1971)).

Compounds of the formula VI in which X=SO₂ can be obtained by oxidationusing, for example, 2 KHSO₅×KHSO₄×K₂SO₄ (Oxone), either from compoundsof the formula IV in which X=S or from compounds of the formula V inwhich X=SO (see, for example, M. Hudlický, Oxidations in OrganicChemistry, ACS Monograph 186, American Chemical Society, Washington,D.C., 1990).

Compounds of the formula V in which X=SO or of the formula VI in whichX=SO₂ and Y=a bond (=(CH₂)_(m) where m=0) can also, alternatively, beprepared according to the scheme below (shown for the preparation of thearyl sulfoxides (H. J. Monteiro et al.; Tetrahedron Letters 11, 921-924(1975) and aryl sulfones (A. K. Maiti et al.; Tetrahedron 50,10483-10490 (1994)):

By reduction with, for example, lithium aluminum hydride or sodiumborohydride it is possible to convert the ketones of the formula IV inwhich X=S into the alcohols of the formula I in which X=S. In a similarmanner, the compounds of the formula V in which X=SO can be convertedinto the compounds of the formula I in which X=SO, and the compounds ofthe formula VI in which X=SO₂ can likewise be converted into thosecompounds I in which X=SO₂. Furthermore, compounds of the formula I inwhich X=SO can be converted by oxidation into compounds of the formula Iin which X=SO₂.

Indenes of the formula VII can be converted by oxidative addition ofcompounds of the formula HX—Y—R5 in which X=S into compounds of theformula I in which X=SO₂ (see, for example, J. F. Ford et al.(Tetrahedron 4, 325-336 (1958)).

Inorganic acids suitable for forming salts are, for example: hydrohalicacids, such as hydrochloric acid and hydrobromic acid, and also sulfuricacid, phosphoric acid and amidosulfonic acid.

Organic acids suitable for salt formation which may be mentioned are,for example: formic acid, acetic acic, benzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonicacid, benzenesulfonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid,lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, L-ascorbic acid, salicylicacid, isethionic acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonicacid, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4(3H)-one2,2-dioxide.

The examples shown below serve to illustrate the invention withoutlimiting it. The melting points or decomposition points (m.p.) measuredare uncorrected and generally depend on the heating rate.

The retention times given in the table below refer to the followingmethods for determination:

-   Method A: Column: Merck, LiChroCart 55-2, PuroSpher STAR, RP 18 e;    measured at 254 nm; gradient: solvent A acetonitrile/water    90:10+0.5% formic acid; solvent B acetonitrile/water 10:90+0.5%    formic acid; flow rate: 0.750 ml/min; time (min)/solvent B (%):    0.00/95.0, 0.50/95.0, 1.75/5.0, 4.25/5.0, 4.50/95.0, 5.00/95.0;    temperature: 40° C.:-   Method B: column: YMC J'sphere, 33×2, ODS H 80 4μ; measured at 254    nm; gradient: solvent A acetonitrile+0.5% formic acid; solvent B    water+0.5% formic acid; flow rate: 1.00 mvmin; time (min)/solvent B    (%): 0.00/90.0, 2.50/5.0, 3.30/5.0, 3.35/90.0; temperature: 30° C.:

TABLE 1 Examples Formula I

Example R1 R2 R3 R4 X Y R5 m.p.[° C.] 1 H Cl H H SO₂ — CH₃ 163 2 H Cl HH SO₂ — CH(CH₃)₂ wax 3 H Cl H H SO₂ — CH₂CH₃ 145 [MH⁺] 4 H Cl H H S —CH₃ 197.1 (MH⁺-H₂O) 5 H Cl H H SO — CH₃ 231.02 m.p.[° C.] 6 H H H H SO —C₆H₅ 155 (trans-syn) 7 H H H H SO — C₆H₅ 101-102 (trans-anti) 8 H H H HSO — C₆H₅ 149-150 (cis-anti) Retention time in min (method A or B) 9 H HH H S C₆H₄-4-Cl 2.605 (B) 10 H CF₃ H H SO₂ — CH₃ 1.853 (B) 11 H Cl H H SCH₂ CH(NHCOCH₃) 1.755 (B) (COOH) 12 H Cl H H SO₂ CH₂ CH₂—CH₃ 1.938 (B)13 H Cl H H S CH₂ CH₂—CH₃ 2.231 (B) 14 H Cl H H SO₂ CH₂ C₆H₅ 2.191 (B)15 H Cl H H SO₂ — pyrimidin-2-yl 1.399 (B) 16 H Cl H H SO₂ —pyridin-2-yl 1.992 (B) 17 H H H H S — benzoxazol-2-yl 2.084 (B) 18 H HC₆H₄- H S CH₂ C₆H₅ 3.130 (B) 4-CF₃ 19 H H C₆H₄- H SO₂ — CH₃ 3.307 (B)4-CF₃ 20 Br H H H SO₂ — CH₃ 1.682 (B) 21 H NH—SO₂— H H S —C(CH₃)₂OH(NHCO 1.577 (B) CH₃ CH₃)(COOH) 22 H Cl H H SO₂ CH₂CH(NH₂)(COOH) 1.831      23 H Cl H H S CH₂ CH(NH₂)(COOCH₃) 2.567 (B)[MH⁺] 24 H H C₆H₄- H S — CH(CH₃)₂ 335.08 4-CF₃ (MH⁺-H₂O)

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are distinguished bybeneficial actions on the metabolism of lipids, and they areparticularly suitable for weight reduction and, after weight reduction,for maintaining a reduced weight in mammals and as anorectic agents. Thecompounds are distinguished by their low toxicity and their few sideeffects. The compounds may be employed alone or in combination withother weight-reducing or anorectic active compounds. Further anorecticactive compounds of this kind are mentioned, for example, in the RoteListe, Chapter 01 under weight-reducing agents/appetite suppressants,herein incorporated by reference, and may also include those activecompounds which increase the energy turnover of the organism and thuslead to weight reduction or else those which influence the generalmetabolism of said organism such that increased calorie intake does notcause an enlargement of the fat depots and a normal calorie intakecauses a reduction in the fat depots of said organism. The compounds maybe suitable for controlling or the prophylaxis and, in particular, forthe treatment of problems of excess weight or obesity. The compounds mayfurthermore be suitable for the prophylaxis and, in particular, for thetreatment of type II diabetes, of arteriosclerosis and for thenormalization of lipid metabolism and for the treatment of high bloodpressure.

In a further aspect of the invention, the compounds of the formula I maybe administered in combination with one or more furtherpharmacologically active substances which may be selected, for example,from the group consisting of antidiabetics, antiadipose agents,blood-pressure-lowering active compounds, lipid reducers and activecompounds for the treatment and/or prevention of complications caused bydiabetes or associated with diabetes. One of skill in the art, based onthe activity and the known amounts for administration of the abovecompounds, will be able to readily determine the amounts of thesecompounds that are useful in a combination therapy with the compounds ofthe invention. Suitable antidiabetics include insulins, amylin, GLP-1and GLP-2 derivatives such as, for example, those disclosed by NovoNordisk A/S in WO 98/08871 and also oral hypoglycemic active compounds.

In one embodiment, said oral hypoglycemic active compounds includesulfonyl ureas, biguanides, meglitinides, oxadiazolidinediones,thiazolidinediones, glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon receptorantagonists, GLP-1 agonists, potassium channel openers such as, forexample, those disclosed by Novo Nordisk A/S in WO 97/26265 and WO99/03861, insulin sensitizers, activators of insulin receptor kinase,inhibitors of liver enzymes involved in the stimulation ofgluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, for example glycogenphosphorylase inhibitors, modulators of glucose uptake and glucoseelimination, lipid metabolism-modifying compounds such asantihyperlipidemic active compounds and antilipidemic active compounds,for example HMGCoA-reductase inhibitors, inhibitors of cholesteroltransport/cholesterol uptake, inhibitors of the reabsorption of bileacid or inhibitors of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP),compounds which reduce food intake, PPAR and RXR agonists and activecompounds which act on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of betacells.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the present compounds areadministered in combination with insulin.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention are administeredin combination with a sulfonylurea such as, for example, tolbutamide,glibenclamide, glimepiride, glipizide, gliquidone, glisoxepide,glibomuride or gliclazide.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with a biguanide such as, for example,metformin.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with a meglitinide such as, for example,repaglinide.

In yet another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with a thiazolidinedione such as, forexample, troglitazone, ciglitazone, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone or thecompounds disclosed by Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation in WO 97/41097,in particular5-[[4-[(3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-oxo-2-quinazolinylmethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione.

In yet another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such asdisclosed, for example, in WO 01/12176. Particularly suitable for thispurpose are[3(S),3a(S)]-3-methoxymethyl-7-[4,4,4-trifluorobutoxy]-3,3a,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-oxazolo[3,4-a]quinolin-1-one,(R)-5-(methoxymethyl)-3-[6-(4,4,4-trifluorobutoxy)benzofuran-3-yl]oxazolidin-2-oneor(R)-5-(methoxymethyl)-3-[6-cyclopropylmethoxybenzofuran-3-yl]oxazolidin-2-one.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with an α-glucosidase inhibitor such as, forexample, miglitol or acarbose.

In yet another embodiment, the present compounds are administered incombination with an hCNTF (human ciliary neurotrophic factor) orderivatives thereof, such as, for example, CNTF_(AX15) or modifiedCNTF_(AX15), such as disclosed, for example, in Lambert et al., PNAS 98,4652-4657.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with an active compound which acts on theATP-dependent potassium channel of the beta cells, such as, for example,tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, glipizide, gliclazide orrepaglinide.

In yet another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with an antihyperlipidemic active compoundor an antilipidemic active compound such as, for example,cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, lovastatin,pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin,probucol, ezetimibe or dextrothyroxine.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention areadministered in combination with more than one of the aforementionedcompounds, for example in combination with a sulfonylurea and metformin,a sulfonylurea and acarbose, repaglinide and metformin, insulin and asulfonylurea, insulin and metformin, insulin and troglitazone, insulinand lovastatin, etc.

Furthermore, the compounds of the invention may be administered incombination with one or more antiadipose agents or appetite-controllingactive compounds.

Such active compounds may be selected from the group consisting of CARTagonists, NPY antagonists, melanocortin 3 or 4 (MC3 or MC4) agonists,melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) antagonists, orexin antagonists, H3agonists, TNF agonists, CRF agonists, CRF BP antagonists, urocortinagonists, β3 adrenoceptor agonists, CCK agonists, serotonin re-uptakeinhibitors, mixed serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors, 5HTmodulators, bombesin agonists, galanin antagonists, glucocorticoidreceptor modulators, growth hormone, growth-hormone-releasing compounds,TRH agonists, uncoupling protein 2 or 3 modulators, leptin receptoragonists, leptin mimetics, dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, doprexin),lipase/amylase inhibitors, cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonists,modulators of acylation-stimulating protein (ASP), PPAR modulators, RXRmodulators or TR-β agonists.

In one embodiment of the invention, the antiadipose agent is leptin ormodified leptin.

In another embodiment, the antiadipose agent is dexamphetamine oramphetamine.

In another embodiment, the antiadipose agent is fenfluramine ordexfenfluramine.

In yet another embodiment, the antiadipose agent is sibutramine or themono-and bis-demethylated active metabolite of sibutramine.

In another embodiment, the antiadipose agent is orlistate.

In another embodiment, the antiadipose agent is mazindol,diethylpropione or phentermine.

Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may be administeredin combination with one or more antihypertensive active compounds.Examples of antihypertensive active compounds are betablockers such asalprenolol, atenol, timolol, pindolol, propanolol and metoprolol, ACE(angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors such as, for example,benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, quinapril andrampril, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, felodipine,nicardipine, isradipine, nimodipine, diltiazem and verapamil, and alsoalphablockers such as doxazosin, urapidil, prazosin and terazosin.Furthermore, reference may be made to Remington: The Science andPractice of Pharmacy, 19th edition, Gennaro, editor, Mack PublishingCo., Easton, Pa., 1995.

It is self-evident that every suitable combination of the compounds ofthe invention with one or more of the aforementioned compounds andoptionally one or more other pharmacologically active substances is tobe regarded as covered by the scope of protection of the presentinvention.

The following preparations serve to illustrate the invention, butwithout limiting it.

EXAMPLE A

Soft gelatin capsules, comprising 100 mg of active compound per capsule:

per capsule Active compound 100 mg Triglyceride mixture fractionatedfrom coconut fat 400 mg Capsule contents 500 mg

EXAMPLE B

Emulsion, comprising 60 mg of active compound per 5 ml:

per 100 ml of emulsion Active compound 1.2 g Neutral oil q.s. Sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose 0.6 g Polyoxyethylene stearate q.s. Glycerol pure0.2 to 2.0 g Flavoring q.s. Water (demineralized or distilled) to 100 ml

EXAMPLE C

Rectal medicament, comprising 40 mg of active compound per suppository:

per suppository Active compound 40 mg Suppository base material ad 2 mg

EXAMPLE D

Tablets, comprising 40 mg of active compound per tablet:

per tablet Lactose  600 mg Corn starch  300 mg Soluble starch  20 mgMagnesium stearate  40 mg 1000 mg

EXAMPLE E

Coated tablets, comprising 50 mg of active compound per coated tablet:

per coated tablet Active compound  50 mg Corn starch 100 mg Lactose  60mg Sec. calcium phosphate  30 mg Soluble starch  5 mg Magnesium stearate 10 mg Colloidal silica  5 mg 260 mg

EXAMPLE F

Suitable for preparing the content of hard gelatin capsules are thefollowing recipes:

a) Active compound 100 mg Corn starch 300 mg 400 mg b) Active compound140 mg Lactose 180 mg Corn starch 180 mg 500 mg

EXAMPLE G

Drops can be prepared using the following recipe (100 mg of activecompound in 1 ml=20 drops):

Active compound 10 g Methyl benzoate 0.07 g Ethyl benzoate 0.03 gEthanol 96% 5 ml Demineralized water ad 100 ml

The activity of the compounds was assayed as follows:

Biological Test Model:

The anorectic action was tested on female NMRI mice. After removal offeed for 24 hours, the preparation to be tested was administeredintraperitoneally (ip) or by gavage (po). The animals were housed singlyand, with free access to drinking water, they were offered evaporatedmilk 30 minutes after administration of the preparation. The consumptionof evaporated milk was determined and the general behavior of theanimals was monitored every half an hour for 7 hours. The measured milkconsumption was compared to that of vehicle-treated control animals.

TABLE 2 Anorectic action, measured as a reduction in the cumulative milkconsumption by treated animals compared with control animalsCompound/Example

Dose Number of animals/ cumulative milk consumption by treated animalsNumber of animals/ cumulative milk consumption by untreated controlanimals Reduction in cumulative milk consumption as Formula I [mg/kg]N/[ml] N/[ml] % of the control Example 1 20 5/1.94 5/3.86 50 Example 450 5/0.70 5/4.76 85

The table indicates that the compounds of the formula I exhibit verygood anorectic action.

The preparation of some examples is described in detail below; the othercompounds of the formula I were obtained analogously:

EXAMPLE 1 5-Chloro-2-methylsulfonylindan-1-ol

1. 5-Chloro-2-methylsulfanylindan-1-one:

0.98 g (4 mmol) of 2-bromo-5-chloroindan-1-one and 0.42 g (6 mmol) ofsodium thiomethoxide were suspended in 5 ml of ethanol, treated in anultrasonic bath for 30 minutes and then stirred at room temperature for90 minutes. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressureand chromatographed on silica gel using toluene/ethyl acetate 10/1. Theeluates were concentrated under reduced pressure, giving5-chloro-2-methylsulfanylindan-1-one of melting point 90° C.

2. 5-Chloro-2-methylsulfonylindan-1-one:

0.5 g (2.35 mmol) of 5-chloro-2-methylsulfanylindan-1-one were dissolvedin 10 ml of methanol; at 0° C., a solution of 4.33 g (7.05 mmol) of 2KHSO₅×KHSO₄×K₂SO₄ in 10 ml of water was added dropwise. The mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 5 h; the methanol was distilled off andthe aqueous residue was extracted using dichloromethane. The organicphase was separated off, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. This gave 5-chloro-2-methanesulfonylindan-1-oneof melting point 197° C.

3. 5-Chloro-2-methylsulfonylindan-1-ol:

0.489 g (2 mmol) of 5-chloro-2-methylsulfonylindan-1-one and 0.095 g(2.5 mmol) of sodium borohydride were suspended in 10 ml of ethanol andplaced into an ultrasonic bath for 4 h. The reaction mixture was thenacidified with 2N HCl and stirred. The ethanol was distilled off, waterand dichloromethane were added to the residue and the mixture wasextracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was separated off,dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated and the residue was purifiedchromatographically on silica gel using dichloromethane/methanol 20/1.This gave 5-chloro-2-methylsulfonylindan-1-ol of melting point 163° C.

EXAMPLE 2 5-Chloro-2-(propane-2-sulfonyl)indan-1-ol

200 mg (0.8 mmol) of 5-chloro-2-methylsulfonylindan-1-ol were dissolvedin 5 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran. The solution was cooled to −70° C., and0.4 ml (0.8 mmol) of lithium diisopropylamine (2 M solution intetrahydrofuran) was added dropwise under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Thereaction solution was stirred at −70° C. for 30 min, and 62.2 μl (1mmol) of methyl iodide were then added. The reaction mixture was warmedto 0° C., water and then ethyl acetate were added, the organic phase wasseparated off, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered and thefiltrate was concentrated. Chromatographic purification of the residue(silica gel; heptane/ethyl acetate 1/1) gave5-chloro-2-(propane-2-sulfonyl)indan-1-ol as a wax-like substance.

EXAMPLE 3 5-Chloro-2-ethanesulfonylindan-1-ol

The chromatographic purification described above in example 2furthermore yielded 5-chloro-2-ethanesulfonylindan-1-ol of melting point145° C.

EXAMPLE 4 5-Chloro-2-methylsulfanylindan-1-ol

The compound of example 1 was subjected to a reduction with sodiumborohydride. This gives 5-chloro-2-methylsulfanylindan-1-ol of molecularweight 214.72 (C₁₀H₁₁ClSO); MS (ESI): 197.1 (MH⁺—H₂O).

EXAMPLE 5

The compound of example 5 was obtained from5-chloro-2-methanesulfinylindan-1-one by reduction with sodiumborohydride as described in Example 1.3.

The compounds of examples 10-21 were obtained from the correspondingketones by reduction with sodium borohydride.

1. A method of reducing weight in a mammal in need thereof comprising administering to the mammal at least one compound chosen from at least one compound of the formula (I)

in which R1, R2, R3, R4 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN; N₃, NO₂, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₄ and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂-phenyl, O-phenyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂, CONH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkynyl, wherein the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine, or one hydrogen may be replaced by OH, OC(O)CH₃, O—CH₂-Ph, NH₂, NH—CO—CH₃ or N(COOCH₂Ph)₂; or phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, 5-tetrazolyl, 1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl, 2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl; 1-imidazolyl, 1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl, 2- or 3-thienyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl, 2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl, 3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl where the aryl radical or heterocycle is unsubstituted or substituted one to two times by F, Cl, Br, CN, OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CO—NH₂, wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or R2 and R3 together form the group —O—CH₂—O—; X is S, SO, or SO₂; Y is (CH₂)_(p), where p is 0, 1, 2 or 3; R5 is CF₃, (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; (CH₂)_(r) COR6, where r is 1-6 and R6 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; CH₂—CH(NHR7)—COR8, where R7 is H, C(O)—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl or C(O)O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl and R8 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; or phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, biphenyl or a heterocyclic radical, where the rings or ring systems are unsubstituted or substituted one or two times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₂-C₈)-alkyl, NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H; SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂, CONH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, where in the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein R1, R4 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, N₃, NO₂, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₄ and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂-phenyl, O-phenyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂, CO—NH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkynyl, where in the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine, or one hydrogen may be replaced by OH, OC(O)CH₃, O—CH₂-Ph, NH₂, NH—CO—CH₃ or N(COOCH₂Ph)₂; or phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, 5-tetrazolyl, 1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl, 2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl, 1-imidazolyl, 1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl, 1- or 3-thienyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl, 2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl, or 2-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl where the aryl radical or heterocycle are unsubstituted or substituted one or two times by F, Cl, Br, CN, OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, or CO—NH₂ wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; R2, R3 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, N₃, NO₂, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₅-C₈)-alkyl, SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—SO₂—(C₅-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂, CONH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkynyl, where in the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine, or one hydrogen may be replaced by OH, OC(O)CH₃, O—CH₂-Ph, NH₂, NH—CO—CH₃ or N(COOCH₂Ph)₂; or phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, 5-tetrazolyl, 1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl, 2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl, 1imidazolyl, 1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl, 1- or 3-thienyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl, 2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl, 3-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl, or 3-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl where the heterocycle is unsubstituted or substituted one or two times by F, Cl, Br, CN, OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, or CO—NH₂ wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or R2 and R3 together form the group —O—CH₂—O—; where in each case at least one of the radicals R1, R2, R3 and R4 is different from hydrogen; X is S, SO, or SO₂; Y is (CH₂)_(p), where p is 0, 1, 2 or 3; R5 is (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₄- and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl or cycloalkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; (CH₂)_(r) COR6, where r is 1-6 and R6 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; CH₂—CH(NHR7)-COR8, where R7 is H, C(O)—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or C(O)O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl and R8 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, biphenyl or a heterocyclic radical, where the rings or ring systems are unsubstituted or substituted up to two times by O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₂-C₈)-alkyl, NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂, CO—NH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, where in the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein R1, R4 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, or Br; R2, R3 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, Br, CN, CONH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₁-C₈)-alkenyl, or (C₁-C₈)-alkynyl, where in the alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or phenyl or 1-imidazolyl; where the rings are unsubstituted or substituted one or two times by F, Cl, Br, CN, OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms may be replaced by fluorine; where in each case at least one of the radicals R1, R2, R3 and R4 is different from hydrogen; X is S, SO, or SO₂; Y is (CH₂)_(p), where p is 0 or 1; R5 is (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₄— and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl or cycloalkyl groups have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; (CH₂)_(r)CO—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, where r is 1-6; CH₂—CH(NHR7)-COR8, where R7 is H, C(O)—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl or C(O)O(C₁-C₄)-alkyl and R8 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; phenyl, or a heterocyclic radical; or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH₃, X is SO₂, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH₃, X is S, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH₂CH₃, X is SO₂, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH(CH₃)₂, X is SO₂, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one compound is administered in combination with at least one weight controlling active compound.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said at least one weight controlling active compound is chosen from cathine, phenylpropanolamine, amfepramone, mefenorex, ephedrine, leptin, dexamphetamine, amphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, sibutramine, orlistat, mazindol or phentermine or salts thereof.
 10. A method for the treatment of obesity in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof at least one compound chosen from at least one compound of the formula (I)

in which R1, R2, R3, R4 independently of one another are H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN; N₃, NO₂, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₄ and C₆-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂-phenyl, O-phenyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H, SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂, CONH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₈)-alkynyl, wherein the alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine, or one hydrogen may be replaced by OH, OC(O)CH₃, O—CH₂-Ph, NH₂, NH—CO—CH₃ or N(COOCH₂Ph)₂; or phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, 5-tetrazolyl, 1-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl, 2-[(C₁-C₆)-alkyl]-5-tetrazolyl; 1-imidazolyl, 1- or 4-[1,2,4]-triazolyl, 1- or 3-thienyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl, 2-, 4- or 5-oxazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-isoxazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-isothiazolyl where the aryl radical or heterocycle is unsubstituted or substituted one to two times by F, Cl, Br, CN, OH, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CF₃, O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, CO—NH₂, wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or R2 and R3 together form the group —O—CH₂—O—; X is S, SO, or SO₂; Y is (CH₂)_(p), where p is 0, 1, 2 or 3; R5 is CF₃, (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, wherein the alkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; (CH₂)_(r)COR6, where r is 1-6 and R6 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; CH₂—CH(NHR7)-COR8, where R7 is H, C(O)—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl or C(O)O—(C₁-C₄)-alkyl and R8 is OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl or NH₂; or phenyl, 1- or 2-naphthyl, biphenyl or a heterocyclic radical, where the rings or ring systems are unsubstituted or substituted one or two times by F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CO—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, O—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, S(O)₀₋₂(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH₂, NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, N[(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl]₂, NH—CO—(C₂-C₈)-alkyl, NH—CO—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, SO₃H; SO₂—NH₂, SO₂—NH—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, SO₂—NH—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, NH—SO₂—NH₂, NH—SO₂—(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, NH—SO₂—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, O—CH₂—COOH, O—CH₂—CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, COOH, CO—O(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—O—(C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, CO—NH₂, CONH(C₁-C₈)-alkyl, CO—N[(C₁-C₈)-alkyl]₂, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl, where in the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups in each case have zero to seven hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine; or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH₃, X is SO₂, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH₃, X is S, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH₂CH₃, X is SO₂, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein R1 is H, R2 is Cl, R3 is H, R4 is H, R5 is CH(CH₃)₂, X is SO₂, and Y is (CH₂)_(p) where p is 0 or a physiologically tolerable salt thereof, in any stereoisomeric form, or a mixture of any such compounds in any ratio.
 15. The method according to claim 10, wherein said at least one compound is administered in combination with at least one weight controlling active compound.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said at least one weight controlling active compound is chosen from cathine, phenylpropanolamine, amfepramone, mefenorex, ephedrine, leptin, dexamphetamine, amphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, sibutramine, orlistat, mazindol or phentermine or salts thereof.
 17. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one compound is administered in combination with at least one antidiabetic compound.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said at least one antidiabetic compound is chosen from insulins, amylin GL-1 and GLP-2 derivatives, and oral hypoglycemic active compounds.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said oral hypoglycemic active compounds are chosen form sulfonyl ureas, biguanides, meglitinides, oxadiazolidinediones, thiazolidinediones, glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon receptor antagonists, GLP-1 agonists, potassium channel openers, insulin sensitizers, activators of insulin receptor kinase, glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors, and modulators of glucose uptake and glucose elimination,
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said sulfonylureas are chosen from tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glimepiride, glipizide, gliquidone, glisoxepide, glibornuride and gliclazide.
 21. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one compound is administered in combination with at least one additional compound chosen from antihyperlipidemic active compounds and antilipidemic active compounds.
 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein said at least one additional compound is chosen from cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, probucol, ezetimibe and dextrothyroxine.
 23. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one compound is administered in combination with at least one antihypertensive active compound.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said at least one antihypertensive active compound is chosen from betablockers, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers. 